Five Movies to Watch on Cinco de Mayo

1. Salt of the Earth (1954).

The one movie about Mexican-Americans that was banned by the U.S. government. In fact, the U.S. government went so far as to try and deport the movie's lead actress in an effort to prevent it from being made. Ironically, you can rent it today at Blockbuster Video -- if you can still find one open.

2. El Norte (1983).

One of the most powerful films about illegal immigration I have seen thus far. It is not necessarily about Mexican immigrants though it has more to say about the interactions between the various types of Hispanic immigrants and the native-born Mexicans than most movies of its kind.

3. My Family (1995).

One of the most ambitious films made about Mexican-American life thus far.

4. Lone Star (1996).

Director John Sayles' depiction of life in a Southwestern border town and the various relationships that exist between Anglos and Hispanics in said town, framed against the backdrop of a murder mystery involving a former sheriff. It's not always as imaginative in said depiction as I would like but it does contain one of the most interesting metaphors for the relationship between the United States and Mexico that I have yet to see on screen.

5. Machete (2010).

But, of course.